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Bears land Scottish recruit

The University of Maine men’s basketball team has imported a 6-foot-7 power forward all the way from Falkirk, Scotland.

Alasdair Fraser signed a letter of intent to attend Maine and play for Ted Woodward’s Black Bears starting this fall.

Fraser, who led Scotland and ranked fifth in the FIBA Under-18 European championships with 19.7 points per game, chose Maine over Stanford University, Pepperdine University, Danny Hurley-coached Wagner, Lafayette, and Siena.

He visited three schools (Maine, Pepperdine and Wagner).

“He was very impressed with the opportunity to win over the next four years and really liked our campus environment and the people of Maine as well as our guys,” said Woodward. “He felt most comfortable here. He obviously had a great visit and we’re glad he came here.”

Fraser, who also ranked first in field goal percentage (74 percent) and third in blocked shots (1.7 per game) at the championships, also averaged 7.0 rebounds per game.

In the Scottish League Cup final, he scored 18 points and grabbed 16 rebounds to go with three steals and two blocks.

He will take the full scholarship vacated by guard Jerrell Boswell, who has opted to transfer.

“He gives us good size and the ability to score around the basket,” Woodward said. “He finishes at a very high percentage and we think he can help us right away.”